Watch…Christ stopped at Eboli (DVD) originally a book by Carlo Levi, an anti-fascist, who in 1935 was sent into internal exile by Mussolini. The title comes from a saying by southern Italians that the area has been neglected even by God. Levi was shocked by the poverty of the peasants, not just a material one but their despair, fuelled by superstition and ill health. A doctor, he used his medical skills to help them and they responded with friendship and by breaking the censorship imposed on him by Mussolini. Levi eventually became a Communist Senator in the Italian Parliament. The book was published in 1949 and the film was made thirty years later. A moving and powerful film, it is a brilliant insight into the importance of politics to people’s lives.

Look..……Whilst in Rome last week I went to a meal with Italian lefties. They were despairing of the financial state of the country and I asked about the Occupy movement. Their response was negative, that young people were not active etc. The following day many young and older Italians demonstrated at the Pantheon (one of the most important Roman heritage sites) against the austerity agenda in Italy. You can view footage at Libera TV.

Listen to the CDFilippa (Giordano) . Many classical favourites sung by a wonderful Italian female singer. You can see her on Youtube.

meanwhile back in the North West…

Loiter at the Secret Garden Festival with events in Salford and Trafford until 23 June, including ‘No Rubbish Tipped Here’, alternative gardens and unlikely playgrounds…If there’s an empty space, people will play in it!

Share this:

Like this:

LikeLoading...

Related

About lipstick socialist

I am an activist and writer. All my life I have been involved in community and trade union politics. My aim is to make the world a better place. To know more about me please read my blog! If you want to contact me please use my gmail which is lipsticksocialist636

One Response to Stop, Look, Listen………excerpts from my Roman Holiday…….

Hi LS!
Love the blog; all the reviews, suggestions and links are all a Leftie could hope for, but the place that the older and more youthful Italians demonstrated at was the Pantheon, not the Parthenon…
Solidarity!
Russell